April 2020
It would be easy at this time to focus on the negative actions of the few, but I for one have been astounded by the generosity of the many during this global pandemic. Why it is that we have to have a global catastrophe to suddenly stop in our tracks and start to consider our neighbours is confusing to me, but the fact we do, is of much comfort.
We see the magnanimous outpourings in news and media reports and even myself, when I created a Roseland Corona Support Facebook page alongside my non-profit website, Roseland Online, I was astounded to find over 700 people sign up almost overnight to help others, offering support, posting good wishes and pledging their time and money to help in any way they could.
I even had a successful local businessman contact me, offering to set up a support fund for local businesses to apply to for a no-interest loan to help them through their short-term issues. Truly selfless displays of kindness and community spirit.
We have all seen some astonishing shifts in our collective modus-operandi, focussing less on our personal aims for once and considering the needs of others. Actions speak louder than words and our actions over the last few weeks has been an inspiration to me and, I suspect you, too.
I truly hope these changes make us all reconsider our actions in the long term. I believe there is a win|win scenario possible for everyone, every day, if we just refocus our communal aims and remember we are all linked in more ways that we can imagine.
If we are to learn anything from this lesson, I suggest it is at last understanding what is right for one, must be right for all if we’re to truly thrive as a race in the undoubtedly trying times ahead. Both short and long term.
Now, if you can bear with me, I have some exciting news. As you know, we won’t be able to have our April (and maybe May) Fisherman’s Shelter exhibition, so I want to suggest we throw hell to the wind and do it virtually!
If you’re up for it, I will send you an invite to my virtual exhibition of Robin Mason‘s fabulous work. All you’ll need to do is download a small bit of safe software from Zoom and you’ll be able to join me in the gallery on the evening.
I’ll send more details on how to download and set up everything, but it is very simple, I assure you. It’ll be a fun thing for us to do together on Friday 10th at 6pm. And if you want to add the date to your diary, click here.
Right, now let’s introduce you to our newest artist, Lucy Davies… and boy, is she already proving popular. I posted 3 pieces and they sold within 2 hours. The fourth sold within an hour, so if you want one of her incredible pieces, I would move pretty sharpish! You can read more about this seasoned artist on her page here.
We have some astonishing new work from the best of the best, too, kicking off with Andrew Allanson and Ann Kelly. Both came down with new work just before the lockdown and, by jove, they’re goodly!
Claire Henley is painting for us as I write and she’s sent down this cracker to get us started. We’ll share Robin Mason‘s work a day before the exhibition online, but how about this for a taster?
Angela Uren topped us up with a gorgeous new still life of these tulips after her daffodils sold so quickly and the inimitable Ben Taffinder is preparing his new work for us, too, including this cracking painting of Portscatho!
Stephen Higton is beavering away on his exhibition work for us and kindly sent over this scrummy little number of Towan a few days ago and our lovely abstract queen, Mari French added three new pieces to her collection, too. Gotta be seen to be believed!
Lastly, the watercolour maestro, John Hopkins sent in this mouthwatering number to replace his sales last month. An incredible rendition of a mist Portscatho if ever I saw one!
So that’s it for now. I hope you’ve been enjoying the daily offers. More will be dropping into your inbox tomorrow and feel free to unsubscribe from them if they’re not to your taste: it won’t affect your monthly newsletter subscription.
Stay safe, ya’ll, and let me know if there’s anything I can do to lift your spirits during these trying times. We gotta stick together us beauties! ;0-)
Mark
Mark David Hatwood FRSA
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March 2020
I’ve been a fan of the US all my life. I remember as early as 8, wearing Americana and wanting to visit the Big Country. Even now, where I’m writing this from, it still feels like coming home. A feeling I can explain, but it just is.
However this time, when I taking in the dark side of today’s America, I feel my love affair waning… read more